Method of and apparatus for electric welding of metallic plates.



l c.- H..KICKLIGHTER. METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR ELECTRIC WELDING 0F METALLIC PLATES.

APPLICATION FILED OCT. I5. I913.

Patented July 4, 1916.

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WITNESSES C. H. KICKLIGHTER.

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR ELECTRIC WELDING 0F METALLIC PLATES.

' APPLICATION FILED OCT. 15, 1913.

l ,1 89,581 Patented July 4,1916.

2 SHEETSSHEET 2.

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WITNESSES I INVENTOR. W abwv/Mz zim CHARLES H. KICKLIGI-ITER, F ATLANTA, GEORGIA.

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR ELECTRIC WELDING 0F METALLIC PLATES.

Application filed October 15, 1913.

This invention relates to the method of and apparatus for electric welding of metal plates into cylinders and other forms.

Many attempts have been made to spot weld pipes or heavy plates, but self-inductance has weakened the welding current and eddy currents have surged through the steel plates, causing heat and waste of energy. In my patent on electric welding No. 1,070,966, granted August 19, 1913, I

employed a single loop of copper, linked about the same iron material with which the conductors bearing the welding current are linked. In this case I relied upon the current induced inthis loop to oppose the self-inductance and eddy currents.

The primary object of this invention is to provide more efiicient and positive means for attaining these results,that is for opposing the flow of magnetic 'fiux which causes self-inductance, and for eliminating the eddy currents.

The method, employed for attaining the above results, is the subjection of a por tion of this loop to, an external influence to assist in the development of the current necessary to produce the desired results. This may be done by passing a portion of the loop around the core of the welding transformer itself or of a similar transformer. In fact, welding terminals may be added to the ends of the modified loop and the current designed for removing self-in' ductance and eddy currents may be utilized for welding purposes. In this latter case, the equipment resolves itself into an apparatus having two sets of welding conductors and two setsof welding terminals. The current in adjacent conductors flows in opposite directions.

' Another object of this invention is to provide efficient and simple means for applying the requisite pressure of the welding terminals against the plate at the points to be spot welded. This is an important point in work on heavy plates. Heretofore the beams for applying this pressure have been Specification of Letters Patent.

heretofore for the welding terminals.

' eddy currents.

Patented July 4, 1916.

Serial No. 795,311.

of the cantaliver or overhanging type. I employ two simple beams connected at both ends. These are stronger, lighter and are ada ted to work on a cylinder of greater length.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a type of welding terminal and a method of applying same, whereby greater pressure at the points of contact may be exerted and less trouble experienced due to wearing away and melting down of these copper welding terminals.

Cold rolled copper has been employed I In spot welding heavy plates, two difliculties have developed in using these terminals. First, under the heavy pressure sometimes necessary to force the plates firmly together,

and insure a good electrical contact for a low voltage, these copper points are bent and deformed. Second, it is found necessary in spot-welding heavy plates to continue the current through the plates for such a length of time that the heat developed is transmitted to the copper welding terminals, thereby softening, melting and burning them away rapidly. I propose to use a ferrule of alloy steel, similar to the commercial high speed steel, or other alloy of strength and high fusing temperature. This will fit snugly around a copper core and will serve the double purpose of transmitting the mechanical pressure to the plates and also of holding the copper core terminal in shape and preservation when heated.

Other objects and advantages of this in venticn will hereinafter appear, and the novel features thereof will be specifically pointed out in the appended claims.

In order that this process and some of the ways in which it can be applied may be clearly understood, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, and in which,

Figure 1 is an elevation, partially sectioned, illustrating the method of employing two welding circuits simultaneously, the welding terminals being supported by two suspended beams. Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic sketch, illustrating the method of employing two welding circuits simultaneously, in which the directions of the currents are opposed'so as to eliminate self-inductance and Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic sketch, illustrating the method of using one welding circuit and another circuit solely for eliminating self-inductance and eddy currents, a portion of which latter circuit has beenpassed around the core of a transformer. Fig. 4 is an enlarged sectional View of the welding terminals of Fig. 1, showing their special construction and method of operation. Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig.

1, showing a modification.

the shell 1 '1'--2'2. Longitudinal and transverse joints of cylindrical shells may be welded up in this method by properly locating the welding terminals.

The welding process is as follows: Press terminals 37-4 into firm contact with plates and directly opposite on either side of thickness of plate and strip 14. Press termina'ls 89 into firm contact with plates and directly opposite on either side of thickness of plate and strip 14'. Close switch l3. Alternating welding current flows from transformer secondary 7 through conductor 5, terminal 3, strap 14, cylindrical shell, terminal 4 and conductor 6" back to secondary 7'. At same time, alternating welding current flows from transformer secondary 12' through conductor 11, terminal 9, cylindrical shell, strap 14, terminal 8 and conductor 10 back to secondary 12'. Secondary 12? is connected in an opposite direction to secondary 7 so that at any instant the currents inadjacent conductors, as in 5 and 10 or in 6 and 11, are flowing in opposite directions. This prevents self-inductance and eddy currents. The heat generated between terminals 34 and 8'9 brings the plates at these points to a welding temperature and under the pressure welds are effected. Switch 13 is opened, the pressure on 89 and 34 is removed. Move cylinder and repeat operation.

Reference will now be made to Fig.3, in which 1 and 2 are iron or steel plates to be spot-welded together. The welding terminals 3"4 of a welding circuit are connected by conductors 56" to secondary 7 of a welding transformer T". The auxiliary terminals 88"8 and 9 9-9" are connected by conductors 10-11 to secondary 12" of transformer t. Transformers T" and t are connected by switch 13 to a source of alternating current. Terminals 88"8" are held into firm contact with the plate by springs w-a.a.. Terminals 99-9 are held into firm contact with the plate by springs I)-b-b. A plurality of contacts insures a larger contact surface than is possible with one set of contacts. The welding process is as follows: Press welding terminals 3"l into firm contact with plates and directly opposite on either side of their thickness at thz joint. Press terminals S"88 and 9"9"9" into firm contact with plate 1 and directly opposite on either side thereof. Close switch 13". Alternating welding current flows from transformer secondary 7" through conductor 5", terminal 3", edges of plates 1",2, terminal 4 and conductor 6" back to secondary 7". At same time, auxiliary alternating current flows from transformer secondary 12 through conductor 11", terminals 9" 99", plate 1", terminals 8"--88" and conductor 10" back to secondary 12". The primaries of transformers T" and t are connected opposite, so that the current in secondary 1 2" and the auxiliary circuit is opposite in direction to the current in secondary 7" and the welding circuit. This prevents self-inductance and eddy currents. The currents in the two circuits should be the same. The transformer v25 would nothave to be as large as T". The heat developed between terminals 3"4 brings the plate edges to a welding heat, and under the pressure a weld is effected. Switch 13 is opened, pressures on welding and auxiliary terminals is removed. Move plate and repeat operation.

Reference will now be made to Fig. '1, in which 1-1 and 22 are sections of a cylindrical shell. of one welding circuit are connected by conductors 5 6 to one secondary 7 of a welding transformer T. The welding terminals 89 ofa second weldingcircuit are connected by conductors 10 -11 to a second secondary 12 of welding transformer T. A

switch 13 connects to a source of alternating current. The welding terminals 3-8 are supported upon a beam 1515, here shown suspended from above by rods 16-16. Welding terminals 49 are supported upon a beam 1717, connected to beam 15-15 at one end by link 18, at the other by link 19. Link 19 is a comparatively thin member, slotted and removable. Its upper end is connected to bell crank 20. Normally it supports beam 1717 by linking over pins 2121. Link 22 is adapted to link over pins 23-23 and-to support beam 1717 when it is necessary to remove link 19 so as to take out a welded shell or for any other purpose. Unwelded cylindrical sections of metal may be introduced with link 19 in place by allowing this member to pass through the gap at the unwelded hori zontal 'joint. These beams are adapted to The welding terminals 3-4 handle a cylinder of approximately half their length,as 121-2 which is mounted on truck 24. Terminals 19 are mounted on a head 25, adapted to be held down by spring 26. Means are provided for raising head 25 by hydraulic or pneu matic pressure.- The plunger cylinder 27 is connected by pipe 28 to a three way valve 29 operated by handle 30. Terminals 38 are mounted on a head 31 adapted to be held up by spring 32. Means are provided for pressing head 31 down by hydraulic or pneumatic pressure. The plunger cylinder 33 is connected by pipe 34 to three Way valve 29 operated by handle 30. Strong electro-magnets would also be' effective as means for pressing terminals 3489 contact with it at the points where welds.

against the shell. The two simple beams 1515 and 1717 may be supported by rods 16-16 from above by a roof girder or other frame work. It is adapted to be carried around the shop by a traveling crane. The terminals 3, 8, 4; and 9 are of special construction better illustrated in enlarged View Fig. 4. The copper welding terminal consists of a core 35 surrounded by a ferrule 36. This ferrule serves the double purpose of transmitting the pressure from the head or shoe 37 to the plate 12 and also of holding the copper core 35 intact and in shape when subjected to heating. It ispreferable to make the ferrule of such material that it will not fuse against the iron plate at the circle of contact. T0 line this edge with a special material is a good scheme. But I prefer to insert, from time to time, a thin clean copper sheet 38 between the welding terminals and the plate 12. This will serve the triple purpose of preventing any fusion of the ferrule to the plate 12, of affording a larger area of good electrical contact on a rough plate, and of replenishing the copper core as it burns and wears away under usage. '1 his type of welding terminal may be used for both or either one of the sets of terminals in a welding circuit.

The welding process is as follows: A cylindrical section of metal is introduced by allowing link 19 to pass through thegap at the unwelded horizontal joint. In welding up a horizontal joint the iron shell may be moved along as the work proceeds by mounting on a truck 24. Adjust the shell so that the welding terminals will come in are desired. Turn handle 30 so as to introduce pneumatic or hydraulic pressure into cylinders 27 and 33. Welding terminals 3-8 are pressed firmly against the shell directly opposite terminals 49 respectively. Close switch 13. Heavy alternating welding current flows from transformer secondary 7 through conductor 5, terminal 3, cylindrical shell, terminal 4 and conductor 6 back to secondary 7. At same time, heavy alternating welding current flows from transformer secondary 12 through conductor 11, terminal 9, cylindrical shell, terminal 8 and conductor 10 back to secondary 12. Secondary 12 is connected in an opposite direction to secondary 7, so that v at any instant the current in adjacent conductors, as in 5 and 10 or in 6 and 11, are flowing in opposite directions. This prevents self-inductance and eddy currents. The passageof the heavy currents between terminals 34 and 89 brings the metal of the plates at these points to a welding temperature, and under the applied pressure welds are effected. Switch 13 is opened. thepressure in cylinders 27 and 33 is relieved y operating handle 30 of three way valve 29. Springs 26 and 32 draw terminals -f-9 and 3-8 respectively away from the shell. Move cylinder and repeat operation. Transverse joints may be welded up by rotating degrees the heads 25 and 31, which carry the welding terminals 1-4) and 3-3 respectively. The completed cylinder may be removed by moving to the extreme right, drawing down on handle of bell-crank 20 so. as to raise beam 17-17, placing link 22 around pins 23.23, removing link 19 from aroundpins 2121 and moving the cylinder out the open end. Moreover, it is apparent that simplified means may be employed for applying welding terminals by having 4-4) mounted on beam 15*15 and be adapted to pressing 38 down on the plate directly opposite by a large jack screw operated by hand wheel or lever. This screw may be mounted on beam 1515 and be adapted to force downward head 31. Or the screw may be substituted for link 18 and adapted to close welding terminals by decreasing the distance between beams 15-15 and 1Tl 7.

Referring to Fig. 5: The construction and operation is similar to Fig. 1. One welding circuit is used. Handwheel N is employed to rotate screw S through nut N and force head H downward between guides (i. This presses welding terminal 3 against the plate opposite welding terminal Handwheel w is employed to rotate screws .9 through nut 91. and force head 71. downward between guides .g. This passes auxiliary terminals 8'8'8 against the plate directly opposite auxiliary terminals 9" 9" 9'. A self-adjusting shoe is is attached by a ball and socket type of joint to head h, and carries the three terminals 888". This arrangement at fords a large surface of contact and facili tates the making of a good contact on an irregular surface, and is self-adjusting for uneven wear of the terminals.

The welding process is as follows: Screw down firmly screws S and s by means of harrdwheels Wand 10. Close transformerno i switch 13'. Welding current flows in the direction 75'--346. Auxiliary current flows in the direction 12 11!!I 9III9III9Ill slllslflslll lolll. prevents self-inductance and eddy currents and allows the welding current to flow. The heat generated and the pressure applied between, terminals 3-4" effect a Weld.

What I claim is,-

1. A method of electric welding which consists of conducting around metallic ma-- terial and applying simultaneously two welding currents opposite in direction of flow.

2. A method of electric welding. which consists of conducting around metallic material and applying a welding current, and of conducting around said metallic material another current, opposite in direction and derived from the same supply as said welding current.

3. A method of electric welding which consists of conducting from a transformer secondary a welding current around metallic material, of applying the same, and of conducting from another secondary'of a transformer a current in an opposite direction around said metallic material.

4. A method of electric welding which consists of conducting from a transformer secondary a welding current of applying the same and of conducting from another secondary of a transformer a reversed current in close proximit to said welding current.

5. A method of electric heating a metallic object, which consists ofconducting around metallic material and applying simultaneously two heating currents opposite in direction of flow.

6. A method of electric heating a metallic object which consists of conducting around metallic material, of applying the same and of conducting from another secondary of a transformer a current in an opposite direction around said metallic material.

8. In combination with an apparatus for electric welding comprising conductors for carrying the welding current around metallic material of other conductors in close proximity to said former conductors, said latter conductors connected in series with an external source so as to furnish the current opposed in direction to the welding current in said former conductors.

9. In combination with an apparatus for i .around metallic material, said sets of con- .ductors being inductively and oppositely connected to the same supply.

12. An apparatus for electric welding or heating, comprising a transformer having two secondaries and two sets of conductors, said sets ofconductors being adapted to convey currents around metallic material and be ng oppositely connected to said secondarms.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my-name in the presence of two subscribing witnesses at Atlanta, in the county of Fulton and State of Georgia, this 11th day of October, 1913.

CHAS. H. KICKLIGHTER.

Witnesses:

W. NORMAN SMITH, M. L. THRowER. 

